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Monday, October 4, 2010

Plot targeted landmarks

WASHINGTON - MILITANTS allegedly plotting attacks in Europe have a list of targets including Paris's Eiffel Tower and a hotel close to Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, Fox News reported on Sunday.

The report came in the wake of a US State Department travel alert urging Americans to be vigilant against the potential for terror attacks in Europe. Attractions on the list also included the luxury Hotel Adlon near Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Berlin's Central Station and its landmark Alexanderplatz TV tower, Fox said citing unnamed intelligence officials. 'One official said security has also been tightened around the British royal family,' the Fox report added.

Fox cited a senior western intelligence official as saying that the information about the target list was provided by 'a German-Pakistani national interrogated at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.' Fox said that information was later confirmed by another senior intelligence official.

The US State Department issued a formal alert on Sunday warning Americans travelling in Europe to remain vigilant against 'potential for terrorist attacks' and urging precaution in public places and transportation systems.

'US citizens should take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when travelling,' according to the alert. It said attackers may use 'a variety of means and weapons and target both official and private interests,' and that particular targets could include railways, subways and locations frequented by tourists. -- AFP